Kimchi Fried Rice with Gochujang (Print Version)

Tangy kimchi, spicy gochujang, and savory vegetables unite in this quick Korean-inspired fried rice. Ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (preferably day-old)

→ Vegetables & Kimchi

02 - 1 cup napa cabbage kimchi, chopped, plus 2 tbsp kimchi juice
03 - 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup carrot, diced
05 - 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

→ Sauce & Seasonings

06 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 1/2 tsp sugar
10 - 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Oil & Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
12 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
13 - 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

# How To:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
02 - Add the chopped kimchi and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the kimchi edges start to caramelize.
03 - Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi juice, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
04 - Add the rice and break up any clumps. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
05 - Drizzle with sesame oil and add the green parts of the green onion. Stir well to combine.
06 - In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil and fry eggs to your liking.
07 - Serve the kimchi fried rice in bowls, topped with a fried egg and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns leftover rice into something vibrant and craveable in under half an hour.
  • The tangy kimchi and gochujang deliver bold flavor without a long ingredient list.
  • You can customize it endlessly with whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand.
  • It satisfies that deep comfort food craving while still feeling bright and alive.
02 -
  • If your rice is too fresh and moist, it will turn gummy instead of getting those crispy, separated grains you want.
  • Don't skip the kimchi juice, it's not just liquid but concentrated flavor that makes the dish come alive.
  • Let the rice sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute or two during cooking to develop a golden crust on the bottom.
03 -
  • Spread your cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours if you don't have day-old rice, it dries out the grains just enough.
  • Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a carbon steel wok for the best heat retention and those coveted crispy bits.
  • Taste your kimchi before you start, some batches are saltier or spicier than others, and adjust your soy sauce and gochujang accordingly.
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